Isle of Wight - The Needles

The Needles are a row of jagged chalk rocks that stick out of the western edge of the Isle of Wight. Near the Needles was a small fair ground with some rides for the kids. Unfortunately we didn't have time to take a closer look at the Needles point.

(Above) Jack really wanted to go on the spinning rides. But he had to go alone as none of us grown-ups can handle these types of nausea-creation machines. 

(Above) While Grandma, Harmony, Lucas, and Noelle were napping in the van, Grandpa, Jack and I headed down to the beach. Despite Jack's pleadings to take the chair lift, we walked down the stairs because Jack's father is a tightwad. 

(Above) Noelle all bundled up on a brisk English spring day. 

Isle of Wight - Osborne House

During our trip south, we took a ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight for a day trip. Our first stop on IoW was to the Osborne House, which was the seaside summer home of Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert. Architecturally, it's designed like a large Italian villa. They wouldn't allow pictures inside, but the place was quite ornate. It was a cold, breezy day so we didn't loiter around the beautiful grounds and seashore too long.

(R) Jack found a tree to climb in the woods outside the mansion. 

(L) Grandma and Noelle on the upper deck of the ferry. (R) Jack playing with Noelle inside the ferry.

White Cliffs at Beachyhead

About 2 hours east of Portsmouth is an area called Beachyhead, which has some amazing white cliffs shoreline. We lucked out with the weather as it warmed up a little and the sun came out nearly the entire day- a nice change from the cold and cloudy norm. We walked a couple of miles along the cliffs until we found a staircase that led down to the beach. The views along the hike were amazing.

(Above) The boys loved running up and down the rolling hills.

(L) Grandma with Noelle (R) Grandma and Grandpa

(Above) Jack, Lucas and I standing on the rocky beach.

Porchester Castle

While touring the south coast of England, we stopped at Porchester Castle. According to the English Heritage website, "the most impressive and best-preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century." 

(Above) Notice the sun is shining- a rarity in this country.

(Above) Playing hide and seek with Grandpa.

(R) Jack and Lucas listening to the audio guides.

(Above) Great views overlooking Fareham Lake.